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PEI songwriter Catherine MacLellan is a subtle wonder. On her mellow fourth album, she occasionally stretches her gentle voice into the realm of rock on a few songs at the beginning and in the middle.
Her themes are still predominantly breakups and loneliness, and her melodies still meander. But years of honing her craft have paid off: MacLellan’s songwriting is more confident and diverse now, and she adds death, war and homesickness into her subject matter.
The band is low-key through most of the album, almost in reverence to her effortless vocals. This works especially well on weepers like Now And Then. But Stealin’, co-written with producer David Baxter, suggests she’s got broader pop appeal.
MacLellan also finally includes a cover of her father, Gene MacLellan’s, Snowbird, sung with Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy. No doubt she was waiting for the right moment for that tribute.
Top track: Now And Then
